LIKE THE TARDIS THE FESTIVAL GROWS IN SPACE AND STATURE AS YOU STEP INSIDE THE CHARMED CIRCLE. THE WALK THROUGH SEFTON PARK, WHILST ADMIRING THE SHIMMERING BLOSSOM, IS DELIGHTFUL.
Words: Jean Hill
The really good news is that if you missed it, the Festival will be back in September 2018. It was muddy initially, and the children loved it. Where to start: how to finish?
If it is a gin sodden palace you are after, you’ve got it. Street food was in abundance, with animated queues for Thai, Mexican and Greek options. The festival has broadened. It embraced well-being, exercise, cookery classes, gardening, vegetarian and vegan cookery. We clutched the map. One colleague located the pop-up pub, which represented his end game. Another charming companion led us to the vegan stores. It is no longer a niche market, it has gone main-stream. Vegan donuts tasted of sharp dark, slightly bitter chocolate with a fabulous moist inner gritty texture. The White Wolf Kitchen is all about healthy eating. All pathways led to the Prosecco tent, with the Disco Classical concert, which seemed to generate inner bounce. The children’s play area has expanded. Birds of prey attract a big crowd. No real surprise, a big wheel swirled around in the pop-up village.
Organic meat is part of the emphasis on responsible sourcing. Free range pork, not always easy to access, can be purchased from Warrington based Snoutwood Trotters. If you are involved in outdoor catering, a big outdoor event or just love outdoor eating, then DeliVita is worth a visit. They hand craft table top wood-fired clay ovens made in Yorkshire. The ovens are completely insulated, with heat-proof handles. Can only say the pizza has that authentic wood burned, smoky flavour and is beyond crisp.
You can find your drink of choice: craft beer, wines or spirits: with knowledgeable advice on hand. Absolutely something for everyone.
September 15th & 16th: Food & Drink Festival Sefton Park, Liverpool
www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
For related features, please pay a visit to our food & drink page
